I cannot insert a chart in powerpoint?

Question

I am trying to insert a chart on powerpoint, and when I click insert it pops up and says "Cannot open Excel to edit the chart data. To edit chart data, Excel must be installed. If Excel is open, make sure that all dialog boxes are closed and that no cells in open workbooks are in edit mode." I have installed excel, and it is not open or does not have open dialog boxes. I have restarted my MacBook, updated my MacBook, restarted all of the office suite, and cannot get it to open. What do I need to do?

Answer 1

Please indicate the present Version Numbers of both macOS & your Office software as well as a complete & accurate listing of the steps you are taking... Especially which "insert" you're clicking. There's more than one possibility but neither should trigger that response.

Answer 2

Hi Skye Gaffney,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with inserting a chart in PowerPoint. It seems like you have already performed some essential basic troubleshooting steps. Could you please also check your office updates to make sure that both Excel and PowerPoint are updated to the latest version. Update Office for Mac automatically - Microsoft Support

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial suggestion may not resolve the problem very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

1. Which version is your MacOS.
2. Which version is your Office suite mainly Excel and PowerPoint.

3. Are you still unable to insert the chart in PowerPoint if you boot your Mac in safe mode.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely, Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator